GCU to Explore Works of French Realist Gustave Courbet

Multimedia Lecture Follows Multicourse French Dinner

Lakewood, N.J., Apr. 19, 2011—On Friday, May 6, join Georgian Court University assistant professor of art history, Lisa Festa, Ph.D., as she presents a multimedia lecture about the art of Realist movement leader, Jean Désiré Gustave Courbet (1819–1877). Enjoy traditional music paired with a multicourse French dinner, followed by Dr. Festa’s lecture. This event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the North Dining Room on the Lakewood campus.

Courbet is known as an independent thinker who created spirited and critical exhibitions and exchanges. His physical and psychological alienations are reflected in some of his most famous paintings. His extreme politics affected his work and resulted in his exile from France. In 1850, he wrote that “...in our so very civilized society it is necessary for me to live the life of a savage. I must be free even of governments. The people have my sympathies; I must address myself to them directly.”

Courbet is also credited with starting the Federation of Artists (Federation des artistes) for the free and uncensored expansion of art in 1870. The group’s members included Andre Gill, Honore Daumier, Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, Eugene Pottier, Jules Dalou, and Edouard Manet.

Tickets are $37 per person, which includes dinner and the lecture. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the GCU Office of Conferences and Special Events at 732.987.2263 or specialevents@georgian.edu.

Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is a comprehensive university with a strong liberal arts core and a special concern for women. A forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court serves nearly 3,000 students of all faiths and backgrounds in a residential Women's College and a coeducational University College with undergraduate and graduate programs. Georgian Court's main campus is located at 900 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, now named a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court also offers classes at its site at One Woodbridge Center in Woodbridge, at Coastal Communiversity in Wall, and at Cumberland County College in Vineland.